Technology

Technology

Salvo Defense prides itself on innovative technologies. This page details some of the latest and greatest technology that can be shared in an open forum. By no means is this all of the technology available today. If you have any questions or would like to know more about this or any of the technology available, please contact a sales engineer.

SWIR Optical Design

Salvo Defense has developed wide band SWIR optics for the changing SWIR market. Short Wave Infrared or SWIR has typically been designed for 900-1700nm. However, as manufacturers get thinner and thinner InGaAs substrates the cameras are able to image down to 500nm or below. This creates a challenge for lens designers and manufacturers alike. Salvo Defense has developed processes to allow great on-axis transmission through this entire spectral range as well as minimal focus shift. These two developments have allowed Salvo Defense to create products that are timely in this ever-changing marketplace. From optical relays and fixed focus lenses to mechanical and electronic zooms, Salvo Defense is positioned to be a leader in the SWIR market.

IR Lens Design

IR lenses have been made for decades but now two main drivers have changed the landscape of the marketplace. First IR cameras have come down substantially in cost. In contrast the lens cost has remained the same. In addition, many users want to have multispectral solutions (multiple sensors). Typically, in this case, multiple optical trains are utilized. Salvo Defense has created multiple IR lens solutions that reduce cost as well as provide designers options for multiple sensors in different attenuation regions through the same optical train. By vertically integrating the supply chain and manufacturing the lens components as well as assembling the lenses, Salvo Defense has been able to reduce cost. Also by utilizing optical materials that have transmission across multiple wavelength regions (silicon, InGaAs, InSeBe, etc) Salvo Defense has multiple single aperture approaches that can be utilized. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please contact us.

Novel Reticle Designs

With the acquisition of Shepherd Enterprises Salvo Defense increases its portfolio of novel reticle designs. Incorporating the Shepherd technology into the mix was simple and effective. The all in one reticle produces range finding capabilities passively, one shot zero and an accuracy unmatched in the commercial hunting market. In addition to the Shepherd system, Salvo Defense utilizes reticle grids patterns such as the Horus reticles. These, along with the Shepherd technology, replace antiquated cross hairs and mil dots. Both reticle systems are made for faster shooting by making wind calls easier, groupings less obscured and more easily seen, and integrating the Speed Shooting Formula right into the elevation hold of the reticle. The grids allow for precise and quick shots from 800 yards for enhanced shooting and the patented Shepherd reticles use target size as a ranging element. Salvo Defense has worked both systems into our lines of products as well as produced these for other customers in the fire control optic market.

STAR Shader Self Tinting Optic

The new Shepherd Scopes STAR Lens cover system is the next generation of sunshader. With our innovative technology we have developed the patent pending sunshader of the future. The Shepherd STAR Shader boasts 98% transmission with a frontal optic that self-tints as it is exposed to sunlight. This adaptable optic acts as sunglasses for your rifle scope as well as a high density military grade protective cover for your frontal scope optic. The STAR Shader system screws directly onto your shepherd scope and add less than an inch of length to your scope. The STAR Shader has both anti-reflective and anti-glare technology which allows you to shoot directly into the sun and will not reflect to give away your position. Our patented system is the first of its kind eliminating long tubes on the end of scopes that reduce your field of view. The new Shepherd STAR Shader provides a full field of view while changing from truly transparent to sunglass tinted in under 40 seconds letting you shoot in any light conditions. Stop fighting with the sun and reflected light and let Shepherd help you shoot further. The STAR Shader is another example of how Shepherd Scopes is redefining the industry by providing new and innovative technology to change the way people shoot. In addition, this optic can be adapted to camera systems and any other optical system that can benefit from self-tinting optics to reduce glare in the direct sunlight.

Polymer GRIN Material Research

Achieving lightweight eyepieces with polymer materials usually requires aspheric lenses. These aspheric lenses are good for monochromatic performance but the current materials available limit good color correction. This is where polymer gradient index lenses have been shown to provide superior results. Polymer gradient index lenses can be used to achieve a high degree of color correction in WFOV eyepieces.
In the design of optical systems, the lens designer can vary the curvature, the thickness, and the index of refraction of each component to optimize performance. However, it is possible to manufacture lens elements whose index of refraction varies continuously within the material. These elements are said to be gradient-index components. Gradient-index lenses have been used in optical designs since the 1970’s in academic institutions. The systems designed during that time include binocular and night vision objectives. The main drawback for these systems has been the lack of gradient index materials, specifically polymer gradient-index materials.
Without the materials available, specifically for polymer based solutions, designers have either used glass versions (which don’t create the same significant weight advantage and cost reduction the polymers do and cannot match the index delta need for this extreme FOV) or simply theorized what could be done utilizing a polymer based solution with manufacturing to be determined at a later date. Salvo Defense is now partnering with leading experts in the field working on creating a viable process for polymer based GRIN lenses. This technology opens up a very large opportunity across many industries. Stay tuned for our results.

Dual Focal Plane Fire Control Optic

Salvo Defense has developed a fully function 6x zoom family of fire control optics that utilizes reticles in both focal planes. In typical fire control optics, the optical system is designed to utilize either a front focal plane reticle or a rear focal plane reticle. Targeting or ranging with a single reticle is somewhat inaccurate. In the 1x position the user must “see through” the bullet drop, windage, and elevation features which are not needed in close combat situations. However, when the user zooms into higher powers these features are then displayed. Typically, reticle manufactures accomplish this by creating very small features (<2microns) that are not visible when in low power but become visible as the optic travels through its zoom range. This makes the manufacturing of these reticles difficult and costly.
In the dual reticle design, by utilizing both focal planes the features for each reticle can be much larger making the manufacturing of the reticles much easier and less costly. Creative designers can use the different optical features to make ranging options in the scope allowing for real time information usable under duress. By increasing yield, reducing cost and complexity, and adding features that no other optics offer, Salvo Defense innovated a very mature technology.

Ship Board Multispectral Imaging

Salvo Defense has created a customizable ship board multispectral imager for elite security forces around the world. The configurable and upgradeable platform utilizes sensors from the UV/VIS, SWIR/MidWave as well as long wave regions. Within each region the user is offered the ability to further specify bands of interest for detailed information on everything from chemical identification to tracking of individuals. The durable construction is designed to meet the rigors of the open waters without sacrificing performance. The system is also highly upgradeable so when new sensor suites come out the unit is not obsolete. For a standard fee and cost of the replacement sensor our technical staff with come on site and upgrade the unit to the latest and greatest sensor available. No longer do teams have to worry about buying a sensor now only to see the next generation product released shortly thereafter. If the application calls for land or vehicle mounting there is a version available for each.